XP - OT: Broken ribs. Does anyone have any experience, knowledge or advice?

I have one broken rib and one bruised rib.  I consider myself to have a pretty high threshold for pain, but this is the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my life.  I am wondering if anyone has any advice about how to ease the pain and/or promote faster healing?  I have a prescription for Loratab every 6 hours.  It takes the edge of and makes the pain bearable, but it doesn't really make me comfortable.  I haven't slept in 3 nights even after taking Ambien.  I understand it can take up to several months to heal, but how long will the pain last?  I know it will be sore for a while and I can handle that, but when will the knife-twisting, take your breath away pain ease up?  Any thoughts, advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to let you know I agree rib fractures are the worst.  I had four after a car accident.  OMG!!!  It was bad.  Laughing, coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose, even breathing hurt.  It hurt to walk, sit, lay down.  No matter what I was in pain.   

On my way home from the hospital I vividly remember every time the car hit a bump or dip in the road I could feel all of the bones in my ribs wiggling around and bumping into each other...I was crying it hurt so bad.  I do remember the two weeks were the worst and but it does get better.   

I hope you feel better soon.

A few things in no special order; Walking (tape up the ribs real good before you go).  Swimming...if necessary use a kickboard/floatie in front.  Bike riding...sitting in a more upright positition.  Talk to a physical therapist...One session may give you a ton of ideas.